“A small act today can create miracles for the next generation.” This guiding spirit has powered the 10-year journey of SeABankers for Children — a heartfelt volunteer initiative launched and carried out by staff of Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank) since 2015.
A decade of connecting hearts
The program was first launched in 2015 to bring joy, encouragement, and practical support to children in remote and disadvantaged areas. Motivated by genuine compassion, SeABankers personally delivered essential supplies to schools in mountainous regions still facing significant hardships.
Over time, this love in action evolved into a signature annual initiative at SeABank, eagerly embraced by staff. Its focus remains on supporting underprivileged children — including orphans, children with disabilities, and those in social protection centers, SOS villages, and shelters — with the goal of nurturing dreams, inspiring learning, and fostering a spirit of compassion and community engagement across the bank.
Over the past decade, SeABankers for Children has grown into a multi-faceted program. Activities now include scholarships for disadvantaged students, construction and renovation of schools and classrooms, especially in remote areas, donation of textbooks, school supplies, and learning equipment, establishment of mini-libraries, free meal programs, tree planting, and more.
Volunteer teams have reached nearly 40 provinces and cities — from lowland to highland, from urban centers to rural and underserved areas with limited access to education and basic amenities.
So far, the program has delivered over 10,000 gifts, awarded scholarships and school supplies to more than 5,000 children, and helped build or upgrade over 30 school sites with essential teaching tools. Tens of thousands of books, notebooks, warm clothes, blankets, shoes, and other necessities have reached children in highland communities, offering them greater stability on their educational journey.
All of this was made possible through the voluntary contributions of over 5,300 SeABank employees nationwide, raising more than VND4.5 billion.
A relentless commitment to the next generation
Across SeABank’s nationwide network, each branch has become a “station of love,” connecting communities and spreading a culture of empathy and giving. Each year, hundreds of employees volunteer their time and effort for various activities — from awarding scholarships and building schools, to hosting children’s festivals and supporting children with disabilities.
In fact, the journey has gone beyond SeABank’s physical footprint, reaching provinces where the bank has no branches — such as Ha Giang, Son La, Lai Chau, and Dak Nong.
Each school visit leaves a deep impression on local teachers, students, and residents. In 2019, for instance, the team reached Pa Lau Commune in Yen Bai Province — one of the most challenging areas in the northern highlands. Despite the treacherous journey, SeABankers brought gifts for over 170 children.
“I’m truly touched by the kindness of SeABank’s staff,” said Mua A Sung, chairman of the Pa Lau Commune People’s Committee. “They braved long distances and harsh conditions to personally deliver these gifts. It’s a meaningful and admirable act of compassion.”
A new initiative: feeding dreams
In 2024 and 2025, the program embraced a new initiative — Cooking for Children: Free Buffet. More than 400 nutritious meals were prepared by SeABank employees for students at Chieu Yen Primary School in Tuyen Quang Province. The same effort reached Chi Diem school in Hoa Binh Province, where it was met with enthusiasm. “I wish we could eat like this every week. It’s my first time having a buffet,” said Mai Anh, a shy fourth grader.
2025 also marks the 10-year milestone of the Nurturing Dreams Scholarship Fund, which supports underprivileged students with monthly scholarships — VND1 million, increased to VND1.5 million starting in 2025 — until they graduate high school. Over the past decade, the fund has supported 209 students with nearly VND13 billion in scholarships.
More than just financial aid, each scholarship represents a message of belief, encouragement, and solidarity from SeABankers. To date, 59 recipients have graduated high school, with many pursuing higher education and unlocking dreams that once seemed far out of reach.
Cultivating a culture of care
The spirit of SeABankers for Children also flourishes within the bank itself. SeABank organizes regular activities for employees’ children — from holiday gifts to drawing and storytelling contests — helping them grow in a supportive, nurturing environment. These activities also build lasting bonds between children and the workplace of their parents, shaping a generation of confident, kind, and socially aware “young SeABankers.”
Over the past decade, SeABankers for Children has left a meaningful mark on communities while becoming a cornerstone of SeABank’s corporate culture — one rooted in social responsibility and sustainable development.
“We’ve always believed that the value of an organization lies not only in business performance but also in its contributions to society,” said Le Thu Thuy, vice chairwoman of SeABank’s Board of Directors. “SeABankers for Children is living proof of that belief. We are committed to continuing this journey — to bring hope and a brighter future to many more Vietnamese children.”
